PERKINS TWP.

Ohio Veterans Home officials received an early Christmas present from Gov. Bob Taft this week -- a recommendation the state kick in $600,000 for OVH capital projects.

The governor's recommendation creates a total of $1,879,500 in state funds for eight capital projects. This is the first time since 1983 that the state will fund OVH capital improvement projects.

Ohio's contribution will allow OVH to proceed with obtaining Federal Construction Grants for an additional $2,268,500 from the Department of Veterans Affairs.

The state's portion has been funded in previous years from locally generated revenues from resident assessments paid by Social Security and other sources.

Five of the capital projects slated include: upgrade of emergency generator system, $1,790,000; upgrade of Giffin-Vets Hall fire alarm system, $1,200,000; security system improvements, $500,000; installation of an elevator in Giffin, $190,000; and demolition of Cline and Cameron Cottages, $45,000.

The capital budget was submitted in September 2001 to the Office of Budget and Management and is pending approval in the state legislature. OVH officials expect the capital budget to be approved before Dec. 25.

In other business:

* Ohio Attorney General Betty D. Montgomery's office presented a $49,000 check to OVH officials Wednesday from money received as part of an antitrust settlement negotiated by the Ohio Attorney General's Office.

OVH Executive Board President J. Steve Martin accepted the check presented by Christine Delahunt, a field representative for Montgomery.

"We are always pleased to have guests that bear gifts," Martin said.

The funds will be used to purchase several lifts to transfer residents from beds to chairs. The lifts grant greater mobility to residents and ensure the safety of both residents and caregivers.

* Construction of the Southern Ohio Veterans Home in Georgetown remains on schedule. The building is now enclosed and windows are in place, according to OVH reports.

* Job Fairs will take place in three southern Ohio cities Dec. 16-18 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. to begin hiring staff for the new Georgetown facility.

Ohio Department of Job and Family Services and the Work Force Development groups have been working with OVH's human resources staff to set up the job fairs.

The three sites that will accept applications for employment are: Dec. 16 in Hillsboro; Dec. 17 in Winchester; and Dec. 18 in Georgetown.

Due to the high unemployment rates in the area, OVH is estimating that 1,500-2,000 applicants will apply for positions.

All contents © Copyright 2002 Sandusky Register